Before Your Echo

Wear a two-piece outfit for the test. You may be asked to remove clothing and jewelry from the waist up. If so, you’ll be given a short hospital gown.

During Your Echo

Most echo tests take 30–40 minutes.

Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat.

A transducer coated with cool gel is moved firmly over your chest. This device creates the sound waves that make images of your heart.

At times, you may be asked to exhale and hold your breath for a few seconds. Air in your lungs can affect the images.

The transducer may also be used to do a Doppler study. This test measures the direction and speed of blood flowing through the heart. During the test, you may hear a “whooshing” sound. This is the sound of blood flowing through the heart.

The images of your heart are stored electronically. This is so your doctor can review them later.Bounces harmless sound waves (ultrasound) off the heart. A transducer (device that looks like a microphone) is used.